A bit heavier than a 30/30 lever, but a real thumper and good for bear is the Marlin 1895 series of .45/70's. You can get a nice used one for $500. or less. The only drawback is that ammunition is a bit expensive. But you aren't going to plink with it like a .22 either.

__________________If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen. ― Samuel Adams

Never mind on the .45/70. I just reread that you will be doing some plinking as well.

What about a Mini 14? They're the right size, lightweight and in your price range and less if you buy a used one.

__________________If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen. ― Samuel Adams

I gotta put another vote in for a Mosin 91/30 or M44. One of the simplest, most durable rifles ever made IMHO. Yes they are a little on the heavy side and they kick, but for me at least, the fun factor and accuracy FAR outweigh those things. If you have never shot one i highly recommend it, and once you own one, you'll want more!

Get a Henry Arms AR-7 Survival Rifle. Folds up to next to nothing, is essentially a semi-auto 10/22. Accurate, light, you can drop it off a cliff and it will be fine. You can carry ass-loads of ammo, it's inexpensive, not very loud in the least, and when packed up into itself ... yes it all packs up into its own rifle butt so no extra bags or crap ... you can hardly notice it. You can buy them brand new in my parts for $199 all day long and 1000 rounds of ammo will cost you $30. It's water resistant, durable, accurate ... it friggin rocks. This and my 1911 go with me everything I hit the dirt.